Coronavirus PPE: a positive pressure hood assembled from ubiquitous, low-cost materials

Mark A Crawford

Materials and CPU fans chosen may differ by region and the prototype has not been exposed to formal industrial/regulatory body testing. Exposure to fine particulate during initial prototype testing was limited to the materials available to an individual practicing social distancing, as well as the obvious risks of allowing a fire to smoulder in an enclosed space for an extended time period. If we are currently constructing PPE from non-traditional materials to protect healthcare workers during a pandemic, it will be the added responsibility of the builder to ensure that seams are well sealed and that the filter is properly positioned, with the final inspection by the user. An additional surgical or N95 mask could be worn within the hood at the wearer's discretion or if available.